NASA astronauts in space are preparing to install the pump on the ISS - RIA Novosti

© NASA

MOSCOW, December 24 – RIA Novosti. Working in outer space by NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins and Richard Mastracchio using manipulator “Canadarm2″ transported a new pump for pumping ammonia, and prepare to set it on the outside American surface segment of the International Space Station (ISS), told RIA Novosti NASA.

“At a time when the ISS flying over South America, with the help of a manipulator” Canadarm2 “new pump for pumping ammonia was pulled up to the place of installation – the farm S1 U.S. segment of the ISS. Currently, astronauts installed the pump on this design “- said the agency interlocutor.

If astronauts will perform all the tasks of this output, the third time to work in open space they no longer need, said NASA spokesman.

Earlier it was reported that astronauts might have three spacewalks – 21, 23 and 25 December. During the first spacewalk Hopkins and Mastracchio completed all tasks – removed from the regular place on the main farm ISS a broken water pump and moved it to a temporary storage area. The second spacewalk was moved from 23 to 24 December to Mastracchio used a spare suit, rather than the one in which it was at the first exit. NASA reported that the final stage on December 21 Mastracchio accidentally damaged his suit in the airlock.

extraordinary spacewalks required because one of the valves inside the 350-pound pump module A cooling circuit stopped working. As a result, the contour partially out of order, and specialists had to shut down part of the auxiliary systems of the American segment of the ISS. To remove the pump and replace it with a backup, NASA intends to conduct three spacewalks.